Dawson plays down significance of Bolton clash

Andy Dawson admits Tuesday's clash at Bolton is a crucial one for Hull - but no more so than any other game.

The Tigers travel to the Reebok Stadium looking to pull themselves out of the Premier League bottom three with victory over one of their relegation
rivals.

Coming after a run of just two points from 15 and ahead of matches against
Chelsea, Tottenham and Manchester United, the game has been billed as a
traditional "six-pointer".

Hull and Bolton are both level on 17 points and neither will want to fall much
behind the other, but Dawson wants to keep the game in perspective.

The 31-year-old left-back said: "It's one game out of 38 in the Premier
League. Yes, it's a big game and they're in the eight to 10 that could be struggling
at the end of the season and we know how important it is, but it's just up to us
to go and perform as we have in the last few games.

"Bolton is no more important than Man United or any other game this season.''

Hull have played two games more than the Trotters but at least go into the game
buoyed by a spirited display against Manchester United on Sunday.

Phil Brown's side pegged the champions back at 1-1 in the second half of a
frenetic encounter at the KC Stadium, but were ultimately beaten 3-1 after a
Wayne Rooney-inspired revival.

Dawson turned a Rooney cross into his own net as United hit back but the
defender is far from downbeat and is relishing the games ahead.

He said: "The manager's quoted that we can win every game and the players
believe that as well. We have shown that at times. We know at the start of the season the bonus games (against top teams), but
we showed last year that the points we took from those games kept us in the
division.

"It's a bonus if you get a win or even get a point from them but we know we
are capable. There is always a sense of respect (towards the big sides) but it's been
shown more than ever that it is possible for teams to get points against the top
four.

"As players we believe we can go out and win and in the bigger picture it is a
positive that we don't go out and get beat by five or six. We'll go out every
time and give 110%.

"The manager said after the (United) game we need to work even harder at
Bolton now and we've shown what we are capable of.''

Hull have injury doubts over Paul McShane, Geovanni and Jan Vennegoor of
Hesselink but Seyi Olofinjana is available after being given permission by
Nigeria to delay his departure for the African Nations Cup.